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☰
Big Sur International Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Big Sur International Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.9 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 212 [displaying comments 71 to 81]
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B. O. from San Francisco, CA
(4/29/2009)
"Can't beat this race!" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 2 Big Sur International Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second Big Sur (I ran it in 2008 as well), and third marathon overall (I ran San Francisco in 2006). While I don't have a lot of basis for comparison, I can tell you that running this marathon was the best 3 1/2 hours of my year. It's definitely not an easy marathon though; there's lots of wind and hills, so I wouldn't recommend it if you are trying to BQ. This marathon is truly unbelievable. though. The weather is perfect for running (low 50s to start, low 60s at finish), the aid stations are frequent (with both GU and fruit toward the end), and the volunteers/spectators are fantastic (spectators give out strawberries at around mile 20, which was a great energy boost). It has been difficult for me to run anywhere else after running this marathon. I PR'ed here (3:34 and beat my last Big Sur time by 10 minutes), and look forward to hopefully doing the same next year. If there's one marathon you run in your life, make sure it's this one! | |
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b. g. from California
(4/28/2009)
"The most beautiful course, designed by God" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Big Sur International Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Big Sur is awesome. It is the most beautiful marathon you will ever run. But, it is also going to be your toughest. Don't expect a PR. Savor the views, the camaraderie, and the great support. Although the uphill is challenging, the downhill will be just as tough because your muscles will ache and cramp. The views, the people, and the support will all make it worthwhile. This is one that you will cherish, and will want to come back to again and again. | |
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Chris Glatt from Overland Park, KS
(4/28/2009)
"Everyone should run this once" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Big Sur lived up to the hype: The scenery was as fabulous as advertised, the race organization was top- notch, and my wife and I really enjoyed visiting Monterey/Carmel. Driving the course the day beforehand was a little demoralizing, but I'm glad I did, since the scenery is a lot more enjoyable when you're not racing. I thought this course was much tougher than Boston (even 2007), although part of that was due to 20 mph headwinds during the middle two-thirds of the race. So the importance of preparation and pacing is magnified here compared to other races-- if you run out of gas before the last couple of hills, it'll be a much longer day. The hills at miles 16, 19, 22, 25 don't look like much on the elevation profile compared to Hurricane Point, but in any other race they would be considered substantial. So as long as you don't mind adding 5% to your usual time, this race can be extremely satisfying. Much like many first-time mothers two days after childbirth, I'm inclined to say "once was enough; never again," but I'm hoping that time erases the more unpleasant memories (miles 5-25.5). | |
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A. C. from San Francisco
(4/28/2009)
"Great Organization and Amazing View" (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I just finished running this course over the weekend. The race organization is superb! Excellent support. The view is amazing. The course is tough with lots of hills. I enjoyed the view and appreciated the race organizers and volunteers. | |
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C. S. from Southern Cali
(4/27/2009)
"WOW!" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I completed my 27th marathon at the Big Sur Marathon yesterday. WOW! I picked this race because it was recommended as a once-in-a-lifetime race. It sure was! It was the most difficult race I have run: Hills and wind were expected, and I was mentally prepared for both, but the race's beauty far outweighed its difficulty. However, the slant of the road for some 20 miles really did damage to my entire left side: my left foot went numb, and I had knee problems as well as an agonizing hip. In fact, I thought I wouldn't be running after I finished, thinking a major injury had set in. If you are prone to injuries, do not run this race. The organization was perfect, there was easy transportation to and from the start/finish, the finish was great, the support and volunteers were wonderful, and there were great race updates. The starting village needs improvement: there were too many people for such a small holding area. I began to panic that I would never start the race waiting for the porta-potty! I'm so glad I did this race: it is one that every runner should add to their list of must-dos. | |
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J. C. from Northern California
(4/27/2009)
"Best Marathon in the Country" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Big Sur International Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The 2009 edition was my 2nd Big Sur Marathon. Like the first one, it was the best marathon I have run (10 total). You won't find a more well-organized race. The logistics of this race are very complex, but they pull it off beautifully. Pros: 1. Great course. So beautiful. 2. Very well organized. 3. Aid workers are great. 4. Start area fantastic (despite the cold). 5. Great medals, great finisher's shirts (long-sleeve, tech material). 6. Expo speakers were fantastic. 7. Finish area food were plentiful and had good variety. 8. Yes, the course is very hilly, but it has so many turns that it makes it feel like you can focus on the race in segments and get excited for what is around the next turn Cons: 1. If you don't like hills, do this course anyway; it's well worth it. 2. VERY early start. Must get to the bus pick-up by 4:00 a.m. 3. It was chilly standing at the start area. You will stand around for at least 1.5 hours. 4. There are ZERO spectators until you reach mile 21. But who cares?! The aid workers, the musicians, the scenery and other runners more than make up for that. If you are thinking of running this race, PLEASE DO SO. You won't be disappointed. | |
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C. P. from Santa Cruz, CA
(3/27/2009)
"Incomparable marathon" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 There is nothing like Big Sur. A person doesn't run this course. This course takes the runner away by its sheer beauty. How special is this marathon? I spoke to a few runners who qualified for Boston but ran this instead. Everyone knows this course is tough. The hills are long and steep. Most people just walk them after awhile. Course support would be better with more portable toilets along the route. I usually don't repeat marathons. But I would come back to Big Sur in a heartbeat. | |
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K. C. from Dallas, Texas USA
(8/3/2008)
"It was EVERYTHING they said it would be!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Truly the best organized and most beautiful marathon in the US! The food/drink stations were well placed, and this was my first marathon that actually had food - bananas, strawberries, gels, etc. at the stations. It was so much appreciated. The expo was fantastic; the transportation was great. I have nothing but praise for this marathon. (Note to Nike/San Francisco: Learn from this race director how to host a marathon, please!) | |
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R. C. from Southold, New York
(6/3/2008)
"A Truly Incredible Experience!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What a gorgeous race! If you just plain love to run and enjoy your surroundings, then you must run this one! Organization was excellent (expo, start, finish, shuttle). I had always dreamed of running this, and it was a 40th birthday present to myself. I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate life! Very tough, hilly course, so forget your PR and just enjoy it! | |
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R. S. from Ohio
(5/20/2008)
"A Spiritual Experience" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Good: The course, volunteers, organizers, expo speakers, Round Table pizza. :) The Bad: Lines at the early Port-O-Lets. The Ugly: My failure properly to train for the seemingly endless hills. Temps that reached the 80's. Both items out of control of the wonderful race committee. Hat's off to any veteran who PRs on this course. |
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